SPRINGFIELD – More than 80 motorcyclists passed through Shriners Hospital for Children Sunday to greet children and staff during the 4th annual Melha Rider’s hospital run.

“We ride so children can walk. That’s our creed and that’s why we do this every year,” said Gary Block, of Longmeadow.

In just four years the ride has already raised more than $100,000 for the transportation fund at the hospital. The money is used to provide transportation for families living outside the state who have children being treated at the hospital.

“The transportation for families is not part of our regular budget so we count heavily on this fund-raiser,” said Philip E. Thomas, chairman emeritus of the Melha Shriners.

Michael Santos, president of the Melha Riders, said the group has raised $16,000 so far.

“We hope to raise at least $20,000 this year,” he said. “People are very generous to this cause.”

Although the rain kept some people at home, more than 80 bikes participated in the ride along with at least 20 cars that drove from the Westwood Restaurant in Westfield to the Melha Shrine Center on Longhill Street.

Thomas said it is events like this that have helped keep Shriner’s open. After a threat of closure due to budget cuts last year the community rallied to keep the Springfield hospital open.

“People really came together and supported the work that we do here,” Thomas said. “We are still facing budget cuts, but we are not closing down.”

Jeffrey S. Goodless, the Potentate of the Melha Riders, said he was pleased with the turnout on Sunday.

"It’s a great crowd of people who just want to do their part and help out,” he said.

Block is one of the many riders that has participated in the event every year.

“It’s a pleasure to be able to help out such an amazing hospital,” he said. “They take kids that are bent and broken and make them whole again and allow them to have full lives and I will always want to support that.”